"In Rotterdam, I hope, ere this."
"Thank Heaven! And why are you not there?"
"I am not fit for the journey: never heed me; go you home on the instant: I'll follow. For shame of you to come here risking your precious life."
"It is not so precious as thine," said Gerard. "But let that pass; we will go home together, and on the instant."
"Nay, I have some matters to do in the town. Go thou at once; and I will follow forthwith."
"Leave thee alone in a plague-stricken town? To whom speak you, dear Margaret?"
"Nay, then, we shall quarrel, Gerard."
"Methinks I see Margaret and Gerard quarreling! Why, it takes two to quarrel, and we are but one."
With this Gerard smiled on her sweetly. But there was no kind responsive glance. She looked cold, gloomy, and troubled. He sighed, and sat patiently down opposite her with his face all puzzled and saddened. He said nothing: for he felt sure she would explain her capricious conduct, or it would explain itself.